In
the Driver’s Seat: Drivers ed Initiative 2020

‘I
Promise, I’m Fine’ is Not Good Enough Anymore

by
Julia Larberg

I
have many romantic ideas about the open road and that perfect
playlist for driving across the country. There is something
tantalizing about getting in the car and about the freedom of
exploring areas previously unknown to you.


One
thing that should not be unknown is safe driving behavior. Knowledge
of traffic laws, the way your brain functions while distracted, and
of defensive driving techniques are all essential tools in pursuing
the unknown in a safe and sustainable way. Before applying for my
license, I attended and graduated from a drivers ed program
and am thankful I did. While I appreciated the trust my dad put in me
to drive his van around a parking lot, he did not have examples of
what your brain sees if you drive drunk or high. Or tired. Or while
texting. This knowledge, making the unknown apparent and works to
reduce the number of deaths due to driving accidents.

There
are many steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths
related to driving. One I feel strongly about putting emphasis on the
way our brains receive and process information. In our multi-tasking
world, we believe we can do it all and pay attention to the road. In
reality, our brains can focus on one or two things at once. Our
brains simply cannot process information in a timely manner about ten
different things. Kids screaming, a song we do not like, the sirens
behind us. All of these things are distractions. By addressing the
limits of our attention span and scope at any given time, we can
reduce the number of deaths related to driving.



Unfortunately,
I have had many experiences where my friends at the time were driving
irresponsibly. Echoes of ‘Trust me, I’m fine,’ and ‘It’s
not a big deal to drive high. Stop worrying,’ ring in my head about
times we almost
got into an accident. We almost
were not fine. These
experiences now serve as a personal reminder that it is not fine to
drive while under the influence. It is not fine to trust someone who
insists they are fine. That Uber and Lyft prices are much lower of
the price of a human life.


I
can take steps to be a better driver by being honest with myself and
my loved ones. Honest of my state of mind, of their state of mind,
and the state of the roads. Honest about the risks involved of
driving ‘fine’ and the cost of injury. We can help each other be
better drivers by holding each other accountable for calling that
Uber or Lyft. Through holding each other accountable by designating a
driver, of knowing that driver has a responsible driving record, of
awareness of the road and the risks. Maybe even holding each other
accountable by attending a drivers ed program to learn
about these freedoms and accompanying responsibilities from the
experts. A human life is always worth a comprehensive driver’s
education.